Sonnenberg

Sonnenberg is a mountain summit near Lucerne that rises to around 800 meters and offers views across Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alpine peaks. The slopes show a mix of natural forest and farmed terraces crossed by several walking routes.

The mountain was selected in the early 1970s to host a large underground shelter against nuclear fallout built within the rock. This facility formed part of Switzerland's broader civil defense strategy during the Cold War.

Local farmers manage their fields on Sonnenberg slopes using age-old methods and sell their harvest at small self-service stands along the walking routes. This way of working shapes how the landscape looks today and shows how people in the region connect with the mountain.

From downtown Lucerne, a walk of about one hour through the forest leads to the summit, with yellow markings showing the way through the Gütsch woodland. The route is easily accessible on foot, and there are rest spots and places to eat along the way.

At the summit are two restaurants with outdoor seating, and one unusually combines dining with a mini-golf course. This mix of mountain dining and a playful activity makes the spot a place where visitors can eat and have fun together.